nThe British Army is at the center of a growing reparations dispute as Ethiopia demands the return of treasures looted during the 1868 Magdala expedition. Following the defeat of Emperor Tewodros II, British regiments, including the Royal Engineers and Scots Dragoon Guards, plundered the fortress capital of Magdala, taking cultural artefacts that remain in their regimental museums today.Ethiopian officials are now preparing to formally request the restitution of these items, a process that will require negotiations with both former and current military personnel. According to a report by The Telegraph, the Ethiopian Government is also targeting artefacts held in the King’s royal Collection.
“This is a very well-planned expedition. We call it looting. We are working on what is where and how we can negotiate,” said an Ethiopian representative. The dispute traces back to 1868 when British forces,led by Sir Robert napier,invaded Abyssinia after Emperor Tewodros II detained European hostages over a delayed response from Queen victoria. Following their victory at Magdala, British troops looted cultural treasures, many of which are now housed in UK museums.
Ethiopian experts are compiling an inventory of these artefacts as part of a broader 2026 campaign to reclaim looted items from british collections.While institutions like the British Museum are legally barred from returning treasures,regimental museums can do so with trustee approval.
The Royal Engineers Museum, the Royal Artillery Museum, the Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and the National Army Museum are expected to face demands for the return of items such as shields, swords, drums, and chains. Additionally, Sir Keir Starmer‘s Government will be asked to support Ethiopia’s efforts,including the return of artefacts from the Royal Collection of King Charles.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Event | 1868 Magdala expedition |
| British Regiments Involved | Royal Engineers, Scots Dragoon Guards |
| Artefacts in Question | Shields, swords, drums, chains |
| Museums Holding Artefacts | Royal Engineers Museum, Royal Artillery Museum, Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, National Army Museum |
| Ethiopian Campaign | 2026 initiative to reclaim looted artefacts |
| Legal Constraints | British Museum prohibited from returning treasures; regimental museums can return items with trustee approval |
The Ethiopian Government’s efforts mark a meaningful step in addressing past injustices, as they seek to reclaim their cultural heritage from British institutions.
Ethiopia’s Quest for Reparations: The Fight to Reclaim Looted Treasures from the British Army
Table of Contents
In 1868, British forces led by Sir Robert Napier invaded Abyssinia, now Ethiopia, resulting in the looting of cultural treasures from the fortress capital of Magdala. Over 150 years later, Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to reclaim these artefacts, many of which remain in British regimental museums and the Royal Collection. In this interview, world-today-news.com’s Senior Editor, Sarah Thompson, speaks with Dr. Abebe Alemayehu, a historian and expert on Ethiopian cultural heritage, to discuss the ongoing campaign and its implications.
The Historical Context: the 1868 Magdala Expedition
Sarah Thompson: Dr. alemayehu,can you provide some background on the 1868 Magdala expedition and its significance in Ethiopian history?
Dr. Abebe Alemayehu: Certainly, Sarah. The 1868 Magdala expedition was a pivotal moment in Ethiopian history. Emperor Tewodros II had detained European hostages,including British diplomats,in an attempt to secure support from Queen Victoria. When his demands were ignored, Sir robert Napier led a british military campaign that culminated in the capture of Magdala. British troops looted the city, taking with them invaluable cultural artefacts, including religious manuscripts, shields, swords, and even a crown. These items were later distributed among British regiments and institutions, where many remain today.
Ethiopia’s Campaign: What’s at Stake?
Sarah thompson: What is the current status of Ethiopia’s campaign to reclaim these artefacts,and what challenges do they face?
Dr.Abebe alemayehu: Ethiopia’s campaign is gaining momentum as we approach 2026, the target year for this initiative. Ethiopian experts are compiling a thorough inventory of looted items held in British institutions, including the British Museum and regimental museums like the Royal Engineers Museum and the Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. However, there are important challenges. While regimental museums can return items with trustee approval, institutions like the British Museum are legally barred from doing so. Additionally, negotiations with the British Government and the Royal Collection of King Charles add another layer of complexity.
the Role of International Law and Diplomacy
Sarah Thompson: How does international law play into this situation, and what role does diplomacy have in resolving it?
Dr. Abebe alemayehu: International law has been a double-edged sword in cases of cultural restitution. While UNESCO has advocated for the return of looted artefacts, the legal frameworks in countries like the UK often hinder these efforts.Diplomatic negotiations are crucial. Ethiopia has been engaging with British officials and institutions to build a case for repatriation. Sir Keir Starmer’s Government will be key to supporting this initiative, but it requires a collaborative approach that respects both historical justice and current legal constraints.
The Cultural and Emotional Impact
Sarah Thompson: Beyond the historical and legal aspects, what does this campaign mean for the Ethiopian people culturally and emotionally?
Dr. Abebe Alemayehu: The campaign is deeply personal for Ethiopians. These artefacts are not just objects; they are symbols of our heritage and identity. The looting of Magdala was a traumatic event that left a lasting scar on our collective memory. Reclaiming these treasures is about rectifying historical injustices and restoring pride in our cultural legacy. It’s also a statement to the world about the importance of respecting cultural heritage and the need for reparations in cases of colonial exploitation.
Looking Ahead: what’s Next?
Sarah Thompson: What are the next steps in Ethiopia’s campaign, and how can the international community support this effort?
Dr. Abebe Alemayehu: The next phase involves formal requests for restitution, supported by detailed inventories and historical evidence. The international community can play a vital role by advocating for ethical practices in museums and supporting legal reforms that facilitate the return of looted artefacts. Public awareness and pressure are also essential. By shining a light on these issues, we can encourage institutions to act in the spirit of justice and reconciliation.
Conclusion
Ethiopia’s campaign to reclaim looted artefacts from British institutions is a significant step in addressing historical injustices.As Dr. Abebe Alemayehu explains, this effort is not just about recovering objects but also about restoring cultural pride and advocating for global recognition of the need for reparations. The road ahead is challenging, but with continued advocacy and international support, there is hope for a just resolution.
